How To Move Antiques and Collectibles

Atlas is among the world's most trusted and experienced movers. We treat every item with the finest professional care. But moving art, antiques, and collectibles takes extra care. And no one understands that better than your Atlas Professional Van Operator and crew. They know just how your valuable items should be packed, handled, and transported. They are skilled in best practices to make sure your precious items arrive safely in your new home.

Before you move, your Atlas Account Representative will come to your home and survey your belongings. Point out things that may need special attention, such as fragile porcelains, family heirlooms, and valuable antiques. Whatever the item, your Atlas professional knows which packing materials and methods work best. Your Atlas Account Representative will schedule a time for packing that fits your move schedule. The more breakables you have, the more you should rely on the packing expertise of Atlas.

Important packing preparations you can perform.

If you wish to pack items yourself, use the same, professional-grade materials Atlas uses. Your Atlas Account Representative can supply these at affordable prices.

• double- and triple-walled cartons
• stretch wrap and cushioning wrap
• packing tape
• fine tissue and kraft paper
• carton labels (Do Not Load; Load Last/Unload First; Do Not Pack; Parts Box; Fragile)

You should transport these items yourself.

Fine jewelry (Atlas can transport inexpensive or costume jewelry) Coins, cash, and negotiable paper (stock certificates, bonds, notes, etc.) Important papers, deeds, titles, bank books, tax forms, and similar documents Prescriptions, medical records, and dental records Keys to furniture, safe, home Photos and sentimental items

Follow these steps to help ensure the safety of your antiques.

• Secure loose parts and removable pieces.
• Secure doors with rubber straps or strings.
• Remove delicate handles and tape them inside drawers.
• Remove glass panels or mirrors, and cover them with padding or stretch wrap.
• Place hardware and small pieces in labeled plastic bags. Put these bags in a labeled Parts Box.

Eight pointers for packing your collectibles.

1. Prepare coins, stamps, and fine jewelry for transport with you.
2. Pack collectibles in their original cartons. If you don't have the cartons, use Atlas professional grade cartons and bubble wrap or foam peanuts.
3. Pack china, crystal, and other delicate pieces individually. Wrap each in fine tissue and place in compartment containers. Stand plates on edge. Place stemware in separate corrugated cylinders.
4. Wrap dolls, figurines and sculptures in soft tissue or padding and pack in bubble wrap or foam peanuts. Place in double-walled cartons.
5. Label cartons containing breakables as Fragile, using labels supplied by your Atlas Account Representative.
6. Ask your Atlas Account Representative about packing your wine or other perishable collections, as well as unusual or hard-to-move collections.
7. Are your collectibles covered under your homeowner's policy? Provide a list to your insurance agent and ask.
8. Leave in place anything you want Atlas to pack. It's easier and safer, for example, if we pack glassware right from the cabinet.

How Atlas prepares your antiques for shipping.

On packing day, your Atlas crew will arrive as scheduled with everything they need to do the job. Generally, Atlas uses wooden crates for delicate larger pieces, such as crystal chandeliers, pool table slates, and antique furniture. We usually pack smaller items in cartons with padding and stretch wrap. We may use decking inside the truck to keep valuable items safe during transport. And we can build a custom crate to protect any large or unusually shaped item.

You play an important part in our process to ensure your things arrive safely. We will ask you to complete and sign the Customer Responsibilities Guide / High Value Inventory (see pages 25 and 26 of this booklet: Important Information for when you move). The first page of this two-part form spells out your responsibilities. You will notice Atlas may not be liable in the event certain items are lost or damaged. Please be familiar with these items and arrange to transport them yourself.

The second page of the form provides an inventory of your valuables. Atlas relies on you to complete this form. We use it to determine your shipment value and which items need special care. As well as antiques, art, and collectibles, list all high-value items you want Atlas to move, including:

• CDs and DVDs
• electronics
• precious stones and metals

Your Atlas Professional Van Operator must see each high-value item before loading it onto the truck. Please make sure carton labels and written instructions are clear and visible. It's our job to see that every item moves safely. Should contents of a carton you pack become damaged during transit, the liability may be yours. If we ask you to repack a carton, it's because we're looking out for your best interest.

At your new home...

Check off each item as it is unloaded, using your Customer Responsibilities form and Customer Check-Off sheet. If something appears damaged, make a note of it. If you think an item is missing, alert your Atlas crew immediately so they may locate it.

Do you have homeowner's insurance?

When you sell a home, your homeowners insurance may expire. Or your coverage may change. Before you move, call your insurance company and find out if your policy applies. Understand its limitations. Does it protect you...

• while your goods are loaded, transported, and unloaded?
• from fire and theft?
• from dents, scratches, and missing pieces?

Atlas offers valuation for your protection.

Valuation refers to the liability Atlas assumes—and the amount you may receive if an item is lost or damaged. Unless you specify otherwise, Atlas assumes liability based on your purchase of full-value protection (FVP). This is an affordable choice for peace of mind. In the unlikely event an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed, it will be repaired or replaced at our option.

Atlas provides basic protection (BP) at no cost. However, it limits our liability on any item to 60¢ per pound. This may not provide enough coverage for your peace of mind. If you choose basic protection, we will ask you to indicate so on the Customer's Declaration of Value, a part of the Bill of Lading.

You can find out more about your coverage options here. Or ask your Atlas Account Representative for a copy of Valuation Options: What's Right For You?

If you have any questions, please ask your Atlas Account Representative. We want your antique and collectible items to have all the protection you expect when you move with Atlas.